February 14, 2014
The Abbott government is determined to tackle head-on the “scourge” of alcohol in Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander communities.
The government has set up a parliamentary inquiry into the harmful use of alcohol in indigenous communities, just days after reiterating its commitment to improving the lives of first Australians.
Indigenous Affairs Minister Nigel Scullion said governments at all levels must unite to tackle the epidemic of alcohol abuse “or risk condemning these communities to a life of alcohol-fuelled poverty”.
“This inquiry will focus on best practice to shape programs and practices that will reduce the scourge of alcohol in indigenous communities,” he said in a statement.
Read more: http://news.theage.com.au/breaking-news-national/inquiry-to-probe-indigenous-alcohol-harm-20140214-32qhy.html